Arizona Department of Education

Accounting Section

Phoenix Location

Salary: $53,900 - $57,200 

Grade: 19

Closing Date: 11/06/2024

• Under the direction of the Accounting Supervisor, this position is responsible for maintaining a fiscal services system for state appropriations and federal grants of the agency’s fiscal management section including examining a variety of financial documents for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) or other specific accounting requirements.
• Rare in-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Processes accounting transactions involving federal grants and state appropriated funds in AZ360, the statewide accounting system, and HRIS, the statewide human resource portal, adhering to state and federal policies and confidentiality standards
• Utilizes accounting reports, contracts, operating procedures, and guides to verify accounting information is appropriately coded
• Primarily responsible for processing a high volume of travel claims for internal employees.
• Assists travelers in the completion of travel claims and out-of-state packets in order to provide excellent customer service and alleviate disruption in travel
• Assists in reviewing biweekly time sheets for the agency (over 700 employees) to check for errors and communicate needed adjustments
• Participates in other payroll processes as needed
• Monitors updates to payroll and travel policy and communicates changes to the Payroll and Travel team, the Payroll and Travel Supervisor, the Accounting Administrator, and the Chief Financial Officer
• Updates operating procedures and training manuals in order to keep reference materials up-to-date and stakeholders educated on changes
• Logs daily incoming customer claims and requests in their respective repositories
• Maintains the Payroll, Travel, and personal inboxes
• Takes phone calls
• Attends virtual and in-person meetings
• Communicates with other accountants, Human Resources, and program areas to resolve issues and discrepancies
• Answers customer and vendor questions about payment/reimbursement status, and any other requests
• Aids in preparing and presenting travel information for new employee orientation, quarterly travel trainings, and one-on-one trainings as needed (Stakeholders include new and current employees, vendors traveling for the State, entire program areas, and others)
• Surveys attendees and adjusts training materials based on feedback in order to meet unit performance measures

Knowledge in:
• The methods and techniques of automated accounting systems and data processing as it relates to accounting practices
• Judgment in realizing when funds are depleted and take initiative to request funds.
• The rules and regulations established for the work system of an agency
• Research and analysis methods ideally including statistical techniques.
• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.

Skills in:
• Analysis, interpretation and reconciling of financial data.
• Work techniques required to maintain accounting records through automated accounting systems .
• Oral and written communication
• Work organization and accomplishment
• Applying accounting principles and practices
• Excellent customer service
• Critical thinking
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Ability to:
• Problem solve
• Read and understand federal regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes, applicable agency manuals, and policies and procedures
• Effectively manage time
• Be detail-oriented
• Analyze difficult statistical data and draw logical conclusions
• Work as part of a team and individually with minimal oversight
• Organize and prioritize a large and varied workload
• Research statutes and policies based on SAAM (State of Arizona Accounting Manual) regulations

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• Prior working knowledge of AFIS/AZ360
• Payroll experience
• HR systems experience

• Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.